1st Century
| Pontiff Number | Pontificate | Name: English · Latin | Date and Place of Birth | Age at Start/End | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 30 – c. 64 (c. 34 years) | St Peter · PETRVS | Bethsaida, Judaea, Roman Empire | Born as Shimon, son of Yonah, a Jew from Judaea. A peregrinus, free provincial subject of the Roman Empire who was not a Roman citizen. Feast day (Feast of Saints Peter and Paul) 29 June. Apostle of Jesus. According to Catholic tradition, he received the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 16:18–19). The Catholic Church recognizes him as the first bishop of Rome appointed by Jesus and therefore the first pope. Also revered as saint in Eastern Christianity, with a feast day of 29 June. St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City is named after him. | |
| 2 | c. 64 – c. 76 (?) (11–12 years) | St Linus · LINVS | Volterrae, Italia, Roman Empire | First Roman pope. Roman citizen, born in Italia, the homeland of the ancient Romans. Feast day 23 September. Also revered as a saint in Eastern Christianity, with a feast day of 7 June. Possibly mentioned in the New Testament (Second Epistle to Timothy 4:21). | |
| 3 | c. 76 – c. 88 (?) (12 years) | St Anacletus · ANACLETVS | Athenae, Achaea, Roman Empire | First Greek pope. A peregrinus, free provincial subject of the Roman Empire who was not a Roman citizen. Feast day 26 April. Once erroneously split into Cletus and Anacletus. Also revered as a saint in Eastern Christianity, with the same feast day. | |
| 4 | c. 88 – c. 97 (?) (9 years) | St Clement I · CLEMENS | Roma, Italia, Roman Empire | Roman citizen, born in the capital of the Roman Empire. Feast day 23 November. The earliest Apostolic Father; issued 1 Clement, which is said to be the basis of apostolic authority for the clergy. Also revered as a saint in Eastern Christianity, with a feast day of 25 November. Possibly mentioned in the New Testament (Epistle to the Philippians 4:3). He was martyred by being tied to an anchor and being thrown into the sea. | |
| 5 | c. 97 – c. 105 (?) (7–8 years) | St Evaristus · EVARISTVS | Bethlehem, Iudaea, Roman Empire | Hellenized Jew. A peregrinus, free provincial subject of the Roman Empire who was not a Roman citizen. Feast day of 26 October. Said to have divided Rome into parishes, assigning a priest to each. |
2nd Century
| Pontiff Number | Pontificate | Name: English · Latin | Date and Place of Birth | Age at Start/End | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | c. 105 – c. 115 (?) (10 years) | St Alexander I · ALEXANDER | Roma, Italia, Roman Empire | Roman citizen, born in the capital of the Roman Empire. Feast day 3 May. Inaugurated the custom of blessing houses with holy water. Also revered as a saint in Eastern Christianity, with a feast day of 18 March. | |
| 7 | c. 115 – c. 125 (10 years) | St Sixtus I · SYXTVS | 42 Roma, Italia, Roman Empire | A Roman of Greek descent, born in Italia, the homeland of the ancient Romans. Uncertain if he was a peregrinus (a free subject of the Roman Empire) or a Roman citizen. Feast day 6 April. Also revered as a saint in Eastern Christianity, with a feast day of 10 August. | |
| 8 | c. 125 – c. 136 (11 years) | St Telesphorus · TELESPHORVS | Terra Nova, Italia, Roman Empire | A Roman of Greek descent, born in Italia, the homeland of the ancient Romans. Uncertain if he was a peregrinus (a free subject of the Roman Empire) or a Roman citizen. Feast day 5 January. Church Father St. Irenaeus called him a great martyr; the earliest attested martyrdom of pope after St. Peter. Also revered as a saint in Eastern Christianity, with a feast day of 22 February. | |
| 9 | c. 136 – c. 140 (4 years) | St Hyginus · HYGINVS | Athenae, Achaea, Roman Empire | Greek. A peregrinus, free provincial subject of the Roman Empire who was not a Roman citizen. Tradition holds he was martyred; feast day 11 January. | |
| 10 | c. 140 – c. 155 (15 years) | St Pius I · PIVS | Aquileia, Italia, Roman Empire | Roman citizen, born in Italia, the homeland of the ancient Romans. Brother of the freedman Hermas. Martyred by sword; feast day 11 July. Decreed that Easter should only be celebrated on a Sunday. | |
| 11 | c. 155 – 166/7 (11–12 years) | St Anicetus · ANICETVS | Emesa, Syria, Roman Empire | Hellenized Syrian; first Syrian pope. A peregrinus, free provincial subject of the Roman Empire who was not a Roman citizen. Tradition holds he was martyred; feast day 20 April. Decreed that priests are not allowed to have long hair. Also revered as a saint in Eastern Christianity, with a feast day of 17 April. | |
| 12 | 166/7 – 174/5 (8–9 years) | St Soter · SOTERIVS | Fundi, Italia, Roman Empire | Roman citizen, born in Italia, the homeland of the ancient Romans. Tradition holds he was martyred; feast day 22 April. Declared that marriage was valid as a sacrament blessed by a priest; formally inaugurated Easter as an annual festival in Rome. | |
| 13 | 174/5 – 189 (14–15 years) | St Eleutherius · ELEVTHERIVS | Nicopolis, Epirus, Roman Empire | Greek. A peregrinus, free provincial subject of the Roman Empire who was not a Roman citizen. Tradition holds he was martyred; feast day 6 May. | |
| 14 | 189 – 198/9 (9–10 years) | St Victor I · VICTOR | Africa, Roman Empire | Roman Berber; first pope to have been born on the continent of Africa. Uncertain if he was a peregrinus (a free subject of the Roman Empire) or a Roman citizen. Feast day 28 July or 11 January. Known for excommunicating Theodotus of Byzantium. Quartodecimanism controversy. | |
| 15 | 198/9 – 20 December 217 (18–19 years) | St Zephyrinus · ZEPHYRINVS | Roma, Italia, Roman Empire | Roman citizen, born in the capital of the Roman Empire. Although not physically martyred (murdered), he is called a martyr for the suffering he endured; feast day 20 December. Combated against the adoptionist heresies of the followers of Theodotus of Byzantium, who were ruled by Theodotus and Asclepiodotus. | |
| — | c. 198/9 – c. 199/200 (1 year) | Natalius · NATALIVS | Roma, Italia, Roman Empire | Roman citizen, born in the capital of the Roman Empire. In opposition to Zephyrinus. Later reconciled. |
3rd Century
|
Pontiff Number |
Pontificate |
Name: English · Latin |
Date and Place of Birth |
Age at Start/End |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
16 |
218 – 14 October 222 (4 years) |
St Callixtus I · CALLISTVS |
Roma, Italia, Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen of Greek descent (Constitutio Antoniniana). Martyred; feast day 14 October. |
|
— |
217 – 235 (18 years) |
St Hippolytus · HIPPOLYTVS |
c. 170 |
47 / 65 |
Roman citizen of Greek descent (Constitutio Antoniniana). In opposition to Callixtus I, Urban I, and Pontian. Later reconciled with Pontian (see below). |
|
17 |
222 – 19 May 230 (7 years) |
St Urban I · VRBANVS |
Roma, Italia, Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Feast day 25 May. Also revered as a saint in Eastern Christianity, with the same feast day. |
|
18 |
21 August 230 – 28 September 235 (5 years) |
St Pontian · PONTIANVS |
Roma, Italia, Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. First pope to resign (28 September 235). Exiled by Roman emperor Maximinus Thrax to Sardinia. Feast day 13 August (with Hippolytus). Also revered as a saint in Eastern Christianity, with the same feast day. |
|
19 |
235 – 3 January 236 (1 year) |
St Anterus · ANTERVS |
Petilia, Italia, Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen of Greek descent (Constitutio Antoniniana). Feast day 3 January. Also revered as a saint in Eastern Christianity, with a feast day of 5 August. |
|
20 |
10 January 236 – 20 January 250 (14 years) |
St Fabian · FABIANVS |
Roma, Italia, Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Feast day 20 January. Eusebius of Caesarea (Historia Ecclesiastica, VI. 29) states he was chosen pope after a dove landed on his head during the election. Also revered as a saint in Eastern Christianity, with a feast day of 5 August. |
|
21 |
6/11 March 251 – June 253 (2 years) |
St Cornelius · CORNELIVS |
Roma, Italia, Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Feast day 16 September. Supported by St. Cyprian, bishop of Carthage, against antipope Novatian. |
|
— |
251 – 258 (7 years) |
Novatian · NOVATIANVS |
c. 200–205 Roma, Italia, Roman Empire |
46–51 / 53–58 |
Roman citizen. In opposition to Cornelius. Founded the Novatianist sect. |
|
22 |
25 June 253 – 5 March 254 (1 year) |
St Lucius I · LVCIVS |
Roma, Italia, Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Feast day 5 March. Exiled soon after his election; recalled to Rome in 254. Also revered as a saint in Eastern Christianity, with a feast day of 4 March. |
|
23 |
12 May 254 – 2 August 257 (3 years) |
St Stephen I · STEPHANVS |
Roma, Italia, Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Feast day 2 August. |
|
24 |
30/31 August 257 – 6 August 258 (1 year) |
St Sixtus II · SIXTVS |
Unknown, possibly Greece |
|
Greek. Feast day 7 August. Beheaded by Emperor Valerian; martyrdom also recorded for St. Lawrence of Rome, one of his deacons. Also revered as a saint in Eastern Christianity, with a feast day of 10 August. |
|
25 |
22 July 259 – 26 December 268 (9 years) |
St Dionysius · DIONYSIVS |
Unknown |
|
Feast day 26 December. Reorganized the Church after the persecution of Valerian. |
|
26 |
5 January 269 – 30 December 274 (5 years) |
St Felix I · FELIX |
Roma, Italia, Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Feast day 30 December. |
|
27 |
4 January 275 – 7 December 283 (8 years) |
St Eutychian · EVTYCHIANVS |
Luni, Italia, Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Feast day 7 December. |
|
28 |
17 December 283 – 22 April 296 (12 years) |
St Caius · CAIVS |
Salona, Dalmatia, Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Feast day 22 April. Tradition holds he was related to Emperor Diocletian. Also revered as a saint in Eastern Christianity, with the same feast day. |
|
29 |
30 June 296 – 26 April 304 (7 years) |
St Marcellinus · MARCELLINVS |
Roma, Italia, Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Feast day 26 April. Persecuted during the Diocletianic Persecution; tradition holds he was martyred. |
4th Century
|
Pontiff Number |
Pontificate |
Name: English · Latin |
Date and Place of Birth |
Age at Start/End |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
— |
304 – 308 (4 years) |
Interregnum |
|
|
Diocletianic Persecution; no pope elected due to intense persecution of Christians. |
|
30 |
308 – 26 October/1 November 309 (1 year) |
St Marcellus I · MARCELLVS |
Roma, Italia, Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Feast day 16 January. Exiled from Rome due to riots over his strict policies on lapsed Christians. |
|
31 |
c. April 310 – c. April 310 (1 month) |
St Eusebius · EVSEBIVS |
Sardinia, Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Feast day 17 August. Exiled to Sicily by Emperor Maxentius for his policies on lapsed Christians. |
|
32 |
2 July 311 – 10 January 314 (2 years) |
St Miltiades · MILTIADES |
Africa, Roman Empire |
|
Roman Berber. Received the Lateran Palace from Emperor Constantine I. First pope under Constantine; Council of Rome (313) condemned Donatism. Feast day 10 January. |
|
33 |
31 January 314 – 31 December 335 (21 years) |
St Sylvester I · SYLVESTER |
Roma, Italia, Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Feast day 31 December. Presided over the First Council of Nicaea (325), which condemned Arianism. Also revered as a saint in Eastern Christianity, with a feast day of 2 January. |
|
34 |
6 February 336 – 7 October 336 (8 months) |
St Mark · MARCVS |
Roma, Italia, Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Feast day 7 October. |
|
35 |
18 January 337 – 12 April 352 (15 years) |
St Julius I · IVLIVS |
Roma, Italia, Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Feast day 12 April. Defended orthodoxy against Arianism; convened the Synod of Sardica (343). |
|
36 |
17 May 352 – 24 September 355 (3 years) |
Liberius · LIBERIVS |
Roma, Italia, Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. First non-canonized pope. Exiled by Emperor Constantius II for refusing to condemn Athanasius of Alexandria. |
|
— |
355 – 357 (2 years) |
Felix II · FELIX |
Roma, Italia, Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. In opposition to Liberius. Installed by Emperor Constantius II; later considered an antipope. |
|
37 |
1 October 355 – 13 November 366 (11 years) |
St Damasus I · DAMASVS |
c. 305 Idanha-a-Velha, Lusitania, Roman Empire |
50 / 61 |
Roman citizen of Spanish descent. Feast day 11 December. Commissioned Jerome to produce the Latin Vulgate Bible. |
|
— |
366 – 367 (1 year) |
Ursinus · VRSINVS |
Unknown |
|
In opposition to Damasus I. Exiled after violent clashes with Damasus’ supporters. |
|
38 |
1 December 366 – 16 November 384 (17 years) |
St Siricius · SIRICIVS |
Roma, Italia, Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Feast day 26 November. Issued the earliest surviving papal decretals. |
|
39 |
17 December 384 – 26 November 399 (14 years) |
St Anastasius I · ANASTASIVS |
Roma, Italia, Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Feast day 19 December. Father of Pope Innocent I. Condemned Origenism. |
5th Century
|
Pontiff Number |
Pontificate |
Name: English · Latin |
Date and Place of Birth |
Age at Start/End |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
40 |
27 December 399 – 19 December 401 (2 years) |
St Innocent I · INNOCENTIVS |
Albano Laziale, Italia, Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Feast day 28 July. Son of Anastasius I. Defended the Church against Pelagianism; approved the canon of Scripture. |
|
41 |
22 December 401 – 12 March 417 (15 years) |
St Zosimus · ZOSIMVS |
Mesoraca, Italia, Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen of Greek descent. Feast day 26 December. Addressed Pelagianism; asserted papal authority over Gallic bishops. |
|
42 |
18 March 417 – 26 December 418 (1 year) |
St Boniface I · BONIFACIVS |
Roma, Italia, Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Feast day 25 October. Elected against antipope Eulalius; supported by Emperor Honorius. |
|
— |
418 – 419 (1 year) |
Eulalius · EVLALIVS |
Unknown |
|
In opposition to Boniface I. Supported by a faction of the Roman clergy; later deposed. |
|
43 |
29 December 418 – 4 September 422 (3 years) |
St Celestine I · CELESTINVS |
Campania, Italia, Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Feast day 6 April. Convened the Council of Ephesus (431), which condemned Nestorianism. |
|
44 |
10 September 422 – 27 July 432 (9 years) |
St Sixtus III · SIXTVS |
Roma, Italia, Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Feast day 28 March. Restored Roman basilicas; opposed Pelagianism and Nestorianism. |
|
45 |
31 July 432 – 18 August 440 (8 years) |
St Leo I (the Great) · LEO MAGNVS |
c. 400 Toscana, Italia, Roman Empire |
32 / 40 |
Roman citizen. Feast day 10 November. Convinced Attila the Hun to spare Rome (452); defined Christ’s dual nature at the Council of Chalcedon (451). Doctor of the Church. Also revered as a saint in Eastern Christianity, with a feast day of 18 February. |
|
46 |
19 August 440 – 10 November 461 (21 years) |
St Hilarius · HILARIVS |
Sardinia, Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Feast day 17 November. Strengthened papal administration; issued decrees on Church discipline. |
|
47 |
19 November 461 – 29 February 468 (6 years) |
St Simplicius · SIMPLICIVS |
Tivoli, Italia, Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Feast day 10 March. Dealt with the fall of the Western Roman Empire (476); maintained Church authority in Rome. |
|
48 |
3 March 468 – 10 March 483 (15 years) |
St Felix III (II) · FELIX |
Roma, Italia, Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Feast day 1 March. Ancestor of Pope Gregory I. Opposed Monophysitism; excommunicated Acacius of Constantinople. |
|
49 |
13 March 483 – 1 March 492 (8 years) |
St Gelasius I · GELASIVS |
Mons Ferratus, Africa, Roman Empire |
|
Roman Berber. Feast day 21 November. Asserted papal supremacy over secular rulers; wrote on the two swords theory (spiritual and temporal power). |
|
50 |
1 March 492 – 21 November 496 (4 years) |
Anastasius II · ANASTASIVS |
Roma, Italia, Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Sought reconciliation with Constantinople; criticized for leniency toward Acacius’ followers. |
|
51 |
24 November 496 – 19 November 498 (2 years) |
St Symmachus · SYMMACHVS |
Sardinia, Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Feast day 19 July. Elected against antipope Laurentius; convened synods to regulate papal elections. |
|
— |
498 – 506/8 (8–10 years) |
Laurentius · LAVRENTIVS |
Roma, Italia, Roman Empire |
|
In opposition to Symmachus. Supported by a faction of the Roman clergy and Ostrogothic king Theodoric. |
6th Century
|
Pontiff Number |
Pontificate |
Name: English · Latin |
Date and Place of Birth |
Age at Start/End |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
52 |
22 November 498 – 19 July 514 (15 years) |
St Hormisdas · HORMISDAS |
Frosinone, Italia, Ostrogothic Kingdom |
|
Roman citizen. Feast day 6 August. Father of Pope Silverius. Negotiated the end of the Acacian Schism (484–519). |
|
53 |
20 July 514 – 6 August 523 (9 years) |
St John I · IOANNES |
Toscana, Italia, Ostrogothic Kingdom |
|
Roman citizen. Feast day 18 May. First pope to travel to Constantinople; martyred by Ostrogothic king Theodoric. |
|
54 |
13 August 523 – 7 May 526 (2 years) |
St Felix IV (III) · FELIX |
Samnium, Italia, Ostrogothic Kingdom |
|
Roman citizen. Feast day 30 January. Nominated by Theodoric; attempted to designate his successor, causing controversy. |
|
55 |
15 May 526 – 22 September 530 (4 years) |
Boniface II · BONIFACIVS |
Roma, Italia, Ostrogothic Kingdom |
|
Roman citizen of Gothic descent. Elected against antipope Dioscorus; first pope of Germanic origin. |
|
— |
22 September 530 – 14 October 530 (22 days) |
Dioscorus · DIOSCORVS |
Alexandria, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Greek. In opposition to Boniface II. Died shortly after election; later considered an antipope. |
|
56 |
22 October 530 – 17 October 532 (2 years) |
John II · IOANNES |
Roma, Italia, Ostrogothic Kingdom |
|
Roman citizen. First pope to adopt a regnal name (born Mercurius). Strengthened ties with the Eastern Roman Empire. |
|
57 |
2 January 533 – 8 May 535 (2 years) |
St Agapetus I · AGAPETVS |
Roma, Italia, Ostrogothic Kingdom |
|
Roman citizen. Feast day 20 September. Visited Constantinople to oppose Monophysitism; died there. |
|
58 |
13 May 535 – 22 April 536 (11 months) |
St Silverius · SILVERIVS |
Campania, Italia, Ostrogothic Kingdom |
|
Roman citizen. Feast day 20 June. Son of Pope Hormisdas. Deposed and exiled by Empress Theodora; martyred. |
|
59 |
8 June 536 – 11 November 537 (1 year) |
Vigilius · VIGILIVS |
Roma, Italia, Ostrogothic Kingdom |
|
Roman citizen. Appointed by Empress Theodora; involved in the Three-Chapter Controversy. |
|
60 |
29 March 537 – 7 June 555 (18 years) |
Pelagius I · PELAGIVS |
Roma, Italia, Ostrogothic Kingdom |
|
Roman citizen. Opposed the Three-Chapter Controversy; faced resistance from Western bishops. |
|
61 |
16 April 556 – 4 March 561 (4 years) |
John III · IOANNES |
Roma, Italia, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Oversaw reconstruction after the Gothic War; faced challenges from schismatic bishops. |
|
62 |
17 July 561 – 13 July 574 (12 years) |
Benedict I · BENEDICTVS |
Roma, Italia, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Dealt with Lombard invasions; secured grain supplies from Egypt. |
|
63 |
2 June 575 – 30 July 579 (4 years) |
Pelagius II · PELAGIVS |
Roma, Italia, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen of Gothic descent. Negotiated with the Lombards; died during a plague. |
|
64 |
26 November 579 – 7 February 590 (10 years) |
St Gregory I (the Great) · GREGORIVS MAGNVS |
c. 540 Roma, Italia, Eastern Roman Empire |
39 / 50 |
Roman citizen. Feast day 3 September. Reformed liturgy; sent missionaries to England. Doctor of the Church. Also revered as a saint in Eastern Christianity, with a feast day of 12 March. |
7th Century
|
Pontiff Number |
Pontificate |
Name: English · Latin |
Date and Place of Birth |
Age at Start/End |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
65 |
3 September 590 – 12 March 604 (13 years) |
Sabinian · SABINIANVS |
Blera, Italia, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Criticized for grain distribution policies during famine; contrasted with Gregory I’s legacy. |
|
66 |
19 February 604 – 22 February 606 (2 years) |
Boniface III · BONIFACIVS |
Roma, Italia, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Secured imperial recognition of papal primacy over Constantinople. |
|
67 |
25 August 607 – 12 November 608 (1 year) |
St Boniface IV · BONIFACIVS |
Marsica, Italia, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Feast day 8 May. Converted the Pantheon into a Christian church. |
|
68 |
19 October 608 – 8 May 615 (6 years) |
St Deusdedit (Adeodatus I) · DEVSDEDIT |
Roma, Italia, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Feast day 8 November. First pope to use lead seals (bullae) for documents. |
|
69 |
13 November 615 – 8 November 618 (3 years) |
Boniface V · BONIFACIVS |
Napoli, Italia, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Promoted clerical education; issued decrees on sanctuary rights. |
|
70 |
23 December 619 – 25 October 625 (5 years) |
Honorius I · HONORIVS |
Campania, Italia, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Involved in the Monothelitism controversy; later condemned posthumously. |
|
— |
625 – 638 (13 years) |
Interregnum |
|
|
No pope elected due to delays in imperial confirmation. |
|
71 |
15 October 625 – 12 October 638 (13 years) |
Severinus · SEVERINVS |
Roma, Italia, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Died shortly after election; papacy contested by imperial authorities. |
|
72 |
28 May 640 – 12 August 640 (2 months) |
John IV · IOANNES |
Zadar, Dalmatia, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Defended Honorius I against Monothelitism accusations. |
|
73 |
24 December 640 – 14 May 642 (1 year) |
Theodore I · THEODORVS |
Jerusalem, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Greek. Opposed Monothelitism; excommunicated Patriarch Pyrrhus of Constantinople. |
|
74 |
5 July 642 – 14 November 649 (7 years) |
St Martin I · MARTINVS |
Todi, Italia, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Feast day 12 November. Convened Lateran Council (649) against Monothelitism; exiled and martyred. Also revered as a saint in Eastern Christianity, with a feast day of 14 April. |
|
75 |
10 August 649 – 16 September 655 (6 years) |
Eugene I · EVGENIVS |
Roma, Italia, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Elected during Martin I’s exile; moderated stance on Monothelitism. |
|
76 |
30 July 654 – 2 June 657 (3 years) |
Vitalian · VITALIANVS |
Segni, Italia, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Restored relations with Constantinople; introduced organ music to churches. |
|
77 |
27 June 657 – 20 January 672 (14 years) |
Adeodatus II · ADEODATVS |
Roma, Italia, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Focused on monastic discipline; little known due to sparse records. |
|
78 |
11 April 672 – 17 June 676 (4 years) |
Donus · DONVS |
Roma, Italia, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Repaired Roman churches; opposed Monothelitism. |
|
79 |
2 November 676 – 11 April 678 (1 year) |
St Agatho · AGATHO |
Palermo, Italia, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Feast day 10 January. Convened Third Council of Constantinople (680–681), condemning Monothelitism. Also revered as a saint in Eastern Christianity, with a feast day of 20 February. |
|
80 |
678 – 10 January 681 (3 years) |
St Leo II · LEO |
Sicilia, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Feast day 3 July. Ratified Third Council of Constantinople; translated relics of martyrs to Rome. |
|
81 |
26 June 682 – 3 July 683 (1 year) |
St Benedict II · BENEDICTVS |
Roma, Italia, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Feast day 7 May. Secured imperial decree reducing delays in papal elections. |
|
82 |
12 July 683 – 8 May 684 (1 year) |
John V · IOANNES |
Antioch, Syria, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Greek. First pope from a province under Muslim control; governed from Rome. |
|
83 |
23 July 684 – 1 August 685 (1 year) |
Conon · CONON |
Sicilia, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Elected as a compromise candidate; brief pontificate. |
|
— |
685 (1 month) |
Theodore · THEODORVS |
Unknown |
|
In opposition to Conon and Sergius I. Never consecrated; withdrew candidacy. |
|
84 |
21 November 685 – 2 April 686 (1 year) |
St Sergius I · SERGIVS |
Palermo, Sicilia, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen of Syrian descent. Feast day 8 September. Opposed Emperor Justinian II’s Quinisext Council (692). Also revered as a saint in Eastern Christianity, with a feast day of 9 September. |
8th Century
|
Pontiff Number |
Pontificate |
Name: English · Latin |
Date and Place of Birth |
Age at Start/End |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
85 |
15 January 687 – 8 September 701 (14 years) |
John VI · IOANNES |
Greece, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Greek. Protected exarch of Ravenna; faced internal Roman conflicts. |
|
86 |
1 March 687 – 8 May 692 (5 years) |
John VII · IOANNES |
Rossano, Italia, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen of Greek descent. Restored Roman churches; avoided conflict with Constantinople. |
|
87 |
30 October 692 – 28 April 705 (12 years) |
Sisinnius · SISINNIVS |
Syria, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
First Syrian pope. Died 20 days after election due to gout. |
|
88 |
15 January 705 – 9 October 707 (2 years) |
Constantine · CONSTANTINVS |
Syria, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Syrian. Last pope to visit Constantinople until Paul VI in 1967. |
|
89 |
25 March 708 – 4 February 715 (6 years) |
St Gregory II · GREGORIVS |
Roma, Italia, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Feast day 11 February. Opposed iconoclasm; supported missionary work in Germany. |
|
90 |
18 May 715 – 11 February 731 (15 years) |
St Gregory III · GREGORIVS |
Syria, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Syrian. Feast day 10 December. Convened synods against iconoclasm; excommunicated iconoclasts. |
|
91 |
10 March 731 – 28 November 741 (10 years) |
St Zachary · ZACHARIAS |
Santa Severina, Italia, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen of Greek descent. Feast day 15 March. Translated Dialogues of Gregory I into Greek; negotiated with Lombards. Also revered as a saint in Eastern Christianity, with a feast day of 5 September. |
|
— |
22 March 741 – 22 March 741 (1 day) |
Stephen (II) · STEPHANVS |
Roma, Italia, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Elected but died before consecration; not always listed as pope. |
|
92 |
23 March 741 – 14/15 March 752 (11 years) |
St Stephen II (III) · STEPHANVS |
Roma, Italia, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Feast day 26 April. Secured Frankish protection; crowned Pepin the Short, laying foundation for the Papal States. |
|
93 |
26 March 752 – 26 April 757 (5 years) |
Paul I · PAVLVS |
Roma, Italia, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Brother of Stephen II (III). Strengthened papal control over Rome; opposed Byzantine iconoclasm. |
|
— |
757 – 767 (10 years) |
Constantine II · CONSTANTINVS |
Nepi, Italia, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. In opposition to Stephen III (IV). Installed by Lombard influence; later deposed and blinded. |
|
— |
767 – 769 (2 years) |
Philip · PHILIPPVS |
Roma, Italia, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. In opposition to Stephen III (IV). Installed by a faction; quickly deposed. |
|
94 |
1 August 757 – 28 June 767 (9 years) |
Stephen III (IV) · STEPHANVS |
Sicilia, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Convened Lateran Council (769) to reform papal elections; opposed Lombard influence. |
|
95 |
7 August 767 – 24 January 772 (4 years) |
Adrian I · ADRIANVS |
Roma, Italia, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Restored Papal States with Frankish support; rebuilt Roman infrastructure. |
|
96 |
1 February 772 – 26 December 795 (23 years) |
St Leo III · LEO |
Roma, Italia, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Feast day 12 June. Crowned Charlemagne as Holy Roman Emperor (800); faced rebellion in Rome. |
9th Century
|
Pontiff Number |
Pontificate |
Name: English · Latin |
Date and Place of Birth |
Age at Start/End |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
97 |
26 December 795 – 12 June 816 (20 years) |
Stephen IV (V) · STEPHANVS |
Roma, Italia, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Crowned Louis the Pious; strengthened ties with the Frankish Empire. |
|
98 |
22 June 816 – 24 January 817 (7 months) |
Paschal I · PASCHALIS |
Roma, Italia, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Crowned Louis the Pious; faced accusations of blinding opponents. |
|
99 |
25 January 817 – 11 February 824 (7 years) |
Eugene II · EVGENIVS |
Roma, Italia, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Implemented Frankish reforms; issued Constitutio Romana to regulate papal elections. |
|
100 |
8 May 824 – 27 August 827 (3 years) |
Valentine · VALENTINVS |
Roma, Italia, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Brief pontificate; little known due to short reign. |
|
101 |
August 827 – 10 October 829 (2 years) |
Gregory IV · GREGORIVS |
Roma, Italia, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Mediated Frankish disputes; supported missionary work in Scandinavia. |
|
— |
829 – 831 (2 years) |
John · IOANNES |
Unknown |
|
In opposition to Gregory IV. Never consecrated; quickly deposed. |
|
102 |
20 January 831 – 17 July 836 (5 years) |
Sergius II · SERGIVS |
Roma, Italia, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Elected without imperial approval; faced Saracen raid on Rome (846). |
|
103 |
10 January 847 – 17 July 855 (8 years) |
St Leo IV · LEO |
Roma, Italia, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Feast day 17 July. Fortified Rome (Leonine Wall) against Saracen attacks. |
|
— |
855 (1 month) |
Anastasius Bibliothecarius · ANASTASIVS |
Roma, Italia, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. In opposition to Benedict III. Elected by a faction; quickly deposed. |
|
104 |
17 July 855 – 17 September 858 (3 years) |
Benedict III · BENEDICTVS |
Roma, Italia, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Restored order after Anastasius’ schism; maintained papal authority. |
|
105 |
24 April 858 – 13 November 867 (9 years) |
St Nicholas I (the Great) · NICOLAVS MAGNVS |
Roma, Italia, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Feast day 13 November. Asserted papal supremacy in the Photian Schism; excommunicated Patriarch Photius. |
|
106 |
14 December 867 – 14 December 872 (5 years) |
Adrian II · ADRIANVS |
Roma, Italia, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Reinstated Photius; faced challenges from Carolingian politics. |
|
107 |
14 December 872 – 16 December 882 (10 years) |
John VIII · IOANNES |
Roma, Italia, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. First pope assassinated (poisoned and clubbed). Crowned Charles the Bald; fought Saracen invasions. |
|
108 |
16 December 882 – 15 May 884 (1 year) |
Marinus I · MARINVS |
Gallese, Italia, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. First bishop elected pope without prior cardinalate; crowned Charles the Fat. |
|
109 |
17 May 884 – 15 September 885 (1 year) |
St Adrian III · ADRIANVS |
Roma, Italia, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Feast day 8 July. Died en route to Worms; canonized for miracles. |
|
110 |
14 September 885 – 14 September 891 (6 years) |
Stephen V (VI) · STEPHANVS |
Roma, Italia, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Crowned Guy III of Spoleto; dealt with Slavic missions. |
|
111 |
19 September 891 – 4 April 896 (4 years) |
Formosus · FORMOSVS |
Ostia, Italia, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Posthumously tried in the Cadaver Synod (897); excommunicated Photius. |
|
112 |
4 April 896 – 19 April 896 (15 days) |
Boniface VI · BONIFACIVS |
Roma, Italia, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Elected amid riots; deposed or died shortly after. |
|
113 |
22 May 896 – 14 August 897 (1 year) |
Stephen VI (VII) · STEPHANVS |
Roma, Italia, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Convened Cadaver Synod; strangled in prison during a revolt. |
|
114 |
August 897 – November 897 (3 months) |
Romanus · ROMANVS |
Gallese, Italia, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Deposed; little known due to chaotic period. |
|
115 |
19 November 897 – January 898 (2 months) |
Theodore II · THEODORVS |
Roma, Italia, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Annulled Cadaver Synod; restored Formosus’ legacy. |
|
116 |
January 898 – January 900 (2 years) |
John IX · IOANNES |
Tivoli, Italia, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Upheld Theodore II’s decrees; banned trials of the dead. |
10th Century
|
Pontiff Number |
Pontificate |
Name: English · Latin |
Date and Place of Birth |
Age at Start/End |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
117 |
January 900 – July 903 (3 years) |
Benedict IV · BENEDICTVS |
Roma, Italia, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Crowned Louis III; maintained order in Rome. |
|
118 |
July 903 – September 903 (2 months) |
Leo V · LEO |
Ardea, Italia, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Deposed and imprisoned by antipope Christopher. |
|
— |
903 – 904 (1 year) |
Christopher · CHRISTOPHORVS |
Roma, Italia, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. In opposition to Leo V and Sergius III. Deposed and executed. |
|
119 |
29 January 904 – 14 April 911 (7 years) |
Sergius III · SERGIVS |
Roma, Italia, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Beginning of the Saeculum obscurum; associated with the Theophylact family. |
|
120 |
April 911 – June 913 (2 years) |
Anastasius III · ANASTASIVS |
Roma, Italia, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Little known; governed under Theophylact influence. |
|
121 |
July/August 913 – February/March 914 (7 months) |
Lando · LANDO |
Sabina, Italia, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Last pope with a unique name until John Paul I (1978). |
|
122 |
March 914 – May 928 (14 years) |
John X · IOANNES |
Bologna, Italia, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Allied with Theophylact family; deposed and murdered. |
|
123 |
May 928 – December 928 (7 months) |
Leo VI · LEO |
Roma, Italia, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Brief pontificate; governed under Marozia’s influence. |
|
124 |
December 928 – February 931 (2 years) |
Stephen VII (VIII) · STEPHANVS |
Roma, Italia, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Little known; continued Theophylact dominance. |
|
125 |
February 931 – December 935 (4 years) |
John XI · IOANNES |
Roma, Italia, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Son of Marozia; deposed by Alberic II. |
|
126 |
3 January 936 – 13 July 939 (3 years) |
Leo VII · LEO |
Roma, Italia, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Appointed by Alberic II; promoted monastic reforms. |
|
127 |
14 July 939 – October 942 (3 years) |
Stephen VIII (IX) · STEPHANVS |
Germany |
|
First German pope. Little known; governed under Alberic II’s control. |
|
128 |
30 October 942 – May 946 (3 years) |
Marinus II · MARINVS |
Roma, Italia, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Continued Alberic II’s policies; focused on Church administration. |
|
129 |
10 May 946 – December 955 (9 years) |
Agapetus II · AGAPETVS |
Roma, Italia, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Strengthened papal authority; allied with Otto I. |
|
130 |
16 December 955 – 14 May 964 (8 years) |
John XII · IOANNES |
Roma, Italia, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Grandson of Marozia. Deposed by Otto I; died in scandal. |
|
131 |
22 May 964 – 23 June 964 (1 month) |
Leo VIII · LEO |
Roma, Italia, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Appointed by Otto I; legitimacy disputed. |
|
132 |
1 October 964 – 16 May 965 (7 months) |
Benedict V · BENEDICTVS |
Roma, Italia, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Elected after John XII’s death; deposed and exiled by Otto I. |
|
133 |
23 June 964 – 11 November 974 (10 years) |
John XIII · IOANNES |
Roma, Italia, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Restored by Otto I; crowned Otto II. |
|
134 |
19 January 974 – 10 July 983 (9 years) |
Benedict VI · BENEDICTVS |
Roma, Italia, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Deposed and strangled by antipope Boniface VII. |
|
— |
974 – 985 (11 years) |
Boniface VII · BONIFACIVS |
Roma, Italia, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. In opposition to Benedict VI and John XIV. Fled to Constantinople; later returned and murdered John XIV. |
|
135 |
1 October 983 – 20 August 984 (10 months) |
Benedict VII · BENEDICTVS |
Roma, Italia, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Opposed Boniface VII; restored order in Rome. |
|
136 |
December 984 – April/May 985 (5 months) |
John XIV · IOANNES |
Pavia, Italia, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Imprisoned and murdered by Boniface VII. |
|
137 |
August 985 – 1 April 996 (10 years) |
John XV · IOANNES |
Roma, Italia, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. First pope to canonize a saint (Ulrich of Augsburg, 993). |
|
138 |
3 May 996 – 18 February 999 (2 years) |
Gregory V · GREGORIVS |
Saxony, Holy Roman Empire |
|
German. First undisputed German pope. Crowned Otto III; faced antipope John XVI. |
|
— |
997 – 998 (1 year) |
John XVI · IOANNES |
Rossano, Italia, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen of Greek descent. In opposition to Gregory V. Installed by Crescentius II; mutilated and deposed. |
11th Century
|
Pontiff Number |
Pontificate |
Name: English · Latin |
Date and Place of Birth |
Age at Start/End |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
139 |
2 April 999 – 12 May 1003 (4 years) |
Sylvester II · SYLVESTER |
Aurillac, France |
|
French. First French pope. Promoted mathematics and astronomy; crowned Stephen I of Hungary. |
|
140 |
16 May 1003 – 6 November 1003 (5 months) |
John XVII · IOANNES |
Roma, Italia, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Brief pontificate; governed under Crescentii influence. |
|
141 |
25 December 1003 – July 1009 (5 years) |
John XVIII · IOANNES |
Roma, Italia, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Abdicated and retired to a monastery; little known. |
|
142 |
31 July 1009 – 12 May 1012 (2 years) |
Sergius IV · SERGIVS |
Roma, Italia, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Issued bull against simony; faced famine in Rome. |
|
— |
1012 (1 month) |
Gregory VI · GREGORIVS |
Roma, Italia, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. In opposition to Benedict VIII. Quickly deposed. |
|
143 |
18 May 1012 – 9 April 1024 (11 years) |
Benedict VIII · BENEDICTVS |
Roma, Italia, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Crowned Henry II; fought Saracens in Italy. |
|
144 |
14 May 1024 – 20 October 1032 (8 years) |
John XIX · IOANNES |
Roma, Italia, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Brother of Benedict VIII. Crowned Conrad II; accused of simony. |
|
145 |
1032 – 1044 (12 years) |
Benedict IX · BENEDICTVS |
Roma, Italia, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. First term. Deposed; accused of simony and immorality. |
|
146 |
1045 – 1045 (1 month) |
Sylvester III · SYLVESTER |
Roma, Italia, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Elected by a faction; deposed by Benedict IX’s return. |
|
147 |
1045 – 1046 (1 year) |
Benedict IX · BENEDICTVS |
Roma, Italia, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Second term. Sold papacy to Gregory VI; later deposed. |
|
148 |
20 December 1046 – 9 October 1047 (10 months) |
Gregory VI · GREGORIVS |
Roma, Italia, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Deposed for simony at Council of Sutri; exiled. |
|
149 |
24 December 1046 – 25 October 1047 (10 months) |
Clement II · CLEMENS |
Saxony, Holy Roman Empire |
|
German. Appointed by Henry III; crowned him emperor. Died suddenly. |
|
150 |
1047 – 1048 (1 year) |
Benedict IX · BENEDICTVS |
Roma, Italia, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. Third term. Reinstalled by force; expelled by Henry III. |
|
151 |
17 July 1048 – 9 August 1054 (6 years) |
Damasus II · DAMASVS |
Bavaria, Holy Roman Empire |
|
German. Appointed by Henry III; died shortly after election. |
|
152 |
12 February 1049 – 19 April 1054 (5 years) |
St Leo IX · LEO |
Eguisheim, Alsace, Holy Roman Empire |
|
German. Feast day 19 April. Reformed clergy; excommunicated Patriarch Michael I Cerularius, triggering East-West Schism (1054). |
|
153 |
13 April 1055 – 28 July 1057 (2 years) |
Victor II · VICTOR |
Bavaria, Holy Roman Empire |
|
German. Appointed by Henry III; mediated peace in the empire. |
|
154 |
2 August 1057 – 29 March 1058 (7 months) |
Stephen IX (X) · STEPHANVS |
Lorraine, Holy Roman Empire |
|
German. Promoted monastic reforms; died before completing plans. |
|
— |
1058 – 1059 (1 year) |
Benedict X · BENEDICTVS |
Roma, Italia, Eastern Roman Empire |
|
Roman citizen. In opposition to Nicholas II. Elected by Roman nobles; deposed. |
|
155 |
6 December 1058 – 27 July 1061 (2 years) |
Nicholas II · NICOLAVS |
Lorraine, Holy Roman Empire |
|
French. Issued In nomine Domini (1059), establishing cardinal-bishops as primary papal electors. |
|
156 |
30 September 1061 – 21 April 1073 (11 years) |
Alexander II · ALEXANDER |
Milano, Italia, Holy Roman Empire |
|
Italian. Supported Norman conquest of England; opposed simony. |
|
— |
1061 – 1072 (11 years) |
Honorius II · HONORIVS |
Verona, Italia, Holy Roman Empire |
|
Italian. In opposition to Alexander II. Supported by Henry IV; eventually submitted. |
|
157 |
22 April 1073 – 25 May 1085 (12 years) |
St Gregory VII · GREGORIVS |
Sovana, Italia, Holy Roman Empire |
|
Italian. Feast day 25 May. Issued Dictatus papae, asserting papal supremacy; clashed with Henry IV in Investiture Controversy. |
|
— |
1080 – 1100 (20 years) |
Clement III · CLEMENS |
Parma, Italia, Holy Roman Empire |
|
Italian. In opposition to Gregory VII, Victor III, Urban II, and Paschal II. Supported by Henry IV; controlled Rome intermittently. |
|
158 |
24 May 1086 – 16 September 1087 (1 year) |
Victor III · VICTOR |
Benevento, Italia, Holy Roman Empire |
|
Italian. Elected reluctantly; fled Rome due to Clement III’s forces. |
|
159 |
12 March 1088 – 29 July 1099 (11 years) |
Urban II · VRBANVS |
Lagery, France |
|
French. Launched First Crusade (1095); preached at Council of Clermont. |
12th Century
|
Pontiff Number |
Pontificate |
Name: English · Latin |
Date and Place of Birth |
Age at Start/End |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
160 |
13 August 1099 – 21 January 1118 (18 years) |
Paschal II · PASCHALIS |
Bleda, Italia, Holy Roman Empire |
|
Italian. Faced Investiture Controversy; captured by Henry V. |
|
— |
1100 (1 year) |
Theodoric · THEODORICVS |
Unknown |
|
In opposition to Paschal II. Elected by Clement III’s supporters; imprisoned. |
|
— |
1100 – 1101 (1 year) |
Adalbert · ADALBERTVS |
Unknown |
|
In opposition to Paschal II. Succeeded Theodoric; imprisoned. |
|
— |
1105 – 1111 (6 years) |
Sylvester IV · SYLVESTER |
Roma, Italia, Holy Roman Empire |
|
Italian. In opposition to Paschal II. Supported by Henry V; abandoned by supporters. |
|
161 |
24 January 1118 – 28 January 1119 (1 year) |
Gelasius II · GELASIVS |
Gaeta, Italia, Holy Roman Empire |
|
Italian. Exiled by Henry V; faced antipope Gregory VIII. |
|
— |
1118 – 1121 (3 years) |
Gregory VIII · GREGORIVS |
Benevento, Italia, Holy Roman Empire |
|
Italian. In opposition to Gelasius II and Callixtus II. Supported by Henry V; deposed. |
|
162 |
2 February 1119 – 13 December 1124 (5 years) |
Callixtus II · CALLISTVS |
Quingey, France |
|
French. Signed Concordat of Worms (1122), resolving Investiture Controversy. |
|
163 |
15 December 1124 – 13 February 1130 (5 years) |
Honorius II · HONORIVS |
Fagnano, Italia, Holy Roman Empire |
|
Italian. Approved the Knights Templar; faced schism after his death. |
|
— |
1130 – 1138 (8 years) |
Anacletus II · ANACLETVS |
Roma, Italia, Holy Roman Empire |
|
Italian. In opposition to Innocent II. Supported by Norman king Roger II; controlled Rome. |
|
— |
1138 (1 month) |
Victor IV · VICTOR |
Unknown |
|
In opposition to Innocent II. Succeeded Anacletus II; submitted to Innocent II. |
|
164 |
14 February 1130 – 24 September 1143 (13 years) |
Innocent II · INNOCENTIVS |
Roma, Italia, Holy Roman Empire |
|
Italian. Convened Second Lateran Council (1139); opposed Anacletus II. |
|
165 |
26 September 1143 – 8 March 1144 (5 months) |
Celestine II · CELESTINVS |
Città di Castello, Italia, Holy Roman Empire |
|
Italian. Brief pontificate; lifted interdict on France. |
|
166 |
12 March 1144 – 15 February 1145 (11 months) |
Lucius II · LVCIVS |
Bologna, Italia, Holy Roman Empire |
|
Italian. Attempted to curb Roman commune; died in battle. |
|
167 |
15 February 1145 – 8 July 1153 (8 years) |
Eugene III · EVGENIVS |
Pisa, Italia, Holy Roman Empire |
|
Italian. Launched Second Crusade; exiled by Roman commune. |
|
168 |
12 July 1153 – 3 December 1154 (1 year) |
Anastasius IV · ANASTASIVS |
Roma, Italia, Holy Roman Empire |
|
Italian. Issued privileges to religious orders; peaceful pontificate. |
|
169 |
4 December 1154 – 1 September 1159 (4 years) |
Adrian IV · ADRIANVS |
Abbots Langley, England |
|
English. Only English pope. Granted Ireland to Henry II of England. |
|
170 |
7 September 1159 – 30 August 1181 (21 years) |
Alexander III · ALEXANDER |
Siena, Italia, Holy Roman Empire |
|
Italian. Faced antipope Victor IV; convened Third Lateran Council (1179). |
|
— |
1159 – 1164 (5 years) |
Victor IV · VICTOR |
Unknown |
|
In opposition to Alexander III. Supported by Frederick I; died in exile. |
|
— |
1164 – 1168 (4 years) |
Paschal III · PASCHALIS |
Unknown |
|
In opposition to Alexander III. Supported by Frederick I; canonized Rainald of Dassel. |
|
— |
1168 – 1178 (10 years) |
Callixtus III · CALLISTVS |
Unknown |
|
In opposition to Alexander III. Submitted to Alexander III in 1178. |
|
— |
1179 – 1180 (1 year) |
Innocent III · INNOCENTIVS |
Sezze, Italia, Holy Roman Empire |
|
Italian. In opposition to Alexander III. Imprisoned after capture. |
|
171 |
1 September 1181 – 25 November 1185 (4 years) |
Lucius III · LVCIVS |
Lucca, Italia, Holy Roman Empire |
|
Italian. Exiled from Rome; issued Ad abolendam against heretics. |
|
172 |
25 November 1185 – 19 October 1187 (1 year) |
Urban III · VRBANVS |
Milano, Italia, Holy Roman Empire |
|
Italian. Clashed with Frederick I over imperial succession. |
|
173 |
19 October 1187 – 17 December 1187 (2 months) |
Gregory VIII · GREGORIVS |
Benevento, Italia, Holy Roman Empire |
|
Italian. Called for Third Crusade; died en route to Rome. |
|
174 |
19 December 1187 – 20 March 1191 (3 years) |
Clement III · CLEMENS |
Roma, Italia, Holy Roman Empire |
|
Italian. Negotiated return to Rome; supported Third Crusade. |
|
175 |
30 March 1191 – 8 January 1198 (6 years) |
Celestine III · CELESTINVS |
Roma, Italia, Holy Roman Empire |
|
Italian. Crowned Henry VI; faced pressure from imperial forces. |
13th Century
|
Pontiff Number |
Pontificate |
Name: English · Latin |
Date and Place of Birth |
Age at Start/End |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
176 |
8 January 1198 – 16 July 1216 (18 years) |
Innocent III · INNOCENTIVS |
Gavignano, Italia, Holy Roman Empire |
|
Italian. Launched Fourth Crusade; convened Fourth Lateran Council (1215). |
|
177 |
18 July 1216 – 18 March 1227 (10 years) |
Honorius III · HONORIVS |
Roma, Italia, Holy Roman Empire |
|
Italian. Approved Franciscan, Dominican, and Carmelite orders; launched Fifth Crusade. |
|
178 |
19 March 1227 – 22 August 1241 (14 years) |
Gregory IX · GREGORIVS |
Anagni, Italia, Holy Roman Empire |
|
Italian. Canonized Francis of Assisi; excommunicated Frederick II. |
|
179 |
25 October 1241 – 10 November 1241 (16 days) |
Celestine IV · CELESTINVS |
Milano, Italia, Holy Roman Empire |
|
Italian. Died before coronation; elected during Roman siege. |
|
— |
1241 – 1243 (2 years) |
Interregnum |
|
|
No pope elected due to imperial interference and cardinal disputes. |
|
180 |
25 June 1243 – 7 December 1254 (11 years) |
Innocent IV · INNOCENTIVS |
Genova, Italia, Holy Roman Empire |
|
Italian. Convened First Council of Lyon (1245); deposed Frederick II. |
|
181 |
12 December 1254 – 25 May 1261 (6 years) |
Alexander IV · ALEXANDER |
Anagni, Italia, Holy Roman Empire |
|
Italian. Established Inquisition in France; opposed Manfred of Sicily. |
|
182 |
29 August 1261 – 2 October 1264 (3 years) |
Urban IV · VRBANVS |
Troyes, France |
|
French. Instituted Corpus Christi feast; allied with Charles of Anjou. |
|
183 |
5 February 1265 – 29 November 1268 (3 years) |
Clement IV · CLEMENS |
Saint-Gilles, France |
|
French. Supported Charles of Anjou’s conquest of Sicily; excommunicated Conradin. |
|
— |
1268 – 1271 (3 years) |
Interregnum |
|
|
No pope elected due to disputes among cardinals. |
|
184 |
1 September 1271 – 10 May 1276 (4 years) |
Gregory X · GREGORIVS |
Piacenza, Italia, Holy Roman Empire |
|
Italian. Convened Second Council of Lyon (1274); instituted conclave system. |
|
185 |
21 May 1276 – 22 June 1276 (1 month) |
Innocent V · INNOCENTIVS |
Aosta, Italia, Holy Roman Empire |
|
French. First Dominican pope; brief pontificate focused on peace. |
|
186 |
11 July 1276 – 18 May 1277 (10 months) |
Adrian V · ADRIANVS |
Genova, Italia, Holy Roman Empire |
|
Italian. Annulled conclave rules; died before coronation. |
|
187 |
25 June 1277 – 22 August 1280 (3 years) |
John XXI · IOANNES |
Lisboa, Portugal |
|
Portuguese. Only Portuguese pope. Died in palace collapse; studied medicine. |
|
188 |
22 February 1281 – 28 March 1285 (4 years) |
Martin IV · MARTINVS |
Touraine, France |
|
French. Supported Charles of Anjou; excommunicated Peter III of Aragon. |
|
189 |
2 April 1285 – 3 April 1287 (2 years) |
Honorius IV · HONORIVS |
Roma, Italia, Holy Roman Empire |
|
Italian. Strengthened Roman governance; issued constitutions for religious orders. |
|
190 |
22 February 1288 – 4 April 1292 (4 years) |
Nicholas IV · NICOLAVS |
Lisciano, Italia, Holy Roman Empire |
|
Italian. First Franciscan pope; sent missionaries to China. |
|
— |
1292 – 1294 (2 years) |
Interregnum |
|
|
No pope elected due to cardinal disputes. |
|
191 |
5 July 1294 – 13 December 1294 (5 months) |
St Celestine V · CELESTINVS |
Sant’Angelo Limosano, Italia |
|
Italian. Feast day 19 May. First pope to resign voluntarily; lived as a hermit. |
|
192 |
24 December 1294 – 11 October 1303 (8 years) |
Boniface VIII · BONIFACIVS |
Anagni, Italia |
|
Italian. Issued Unam Sanctam (1302); clashed with Philip IV of France. |
14th Century
|
Pontiff Number |
Pontificate |
Name: English · Latin |
Date and Place of Birth |
Age at Start/End |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
193 |
22 October 1303 – 7 July 1304 (8 months) |
Benedict XI · BENEDICTVS |
Treviso, Italia |
|
Italian. Attempted reconciliation with France; died suddenly. |
|
194 |
5 June 1305 – 20 April 1314 (8 years) |
Clement V · CLEMENS |
Villandraut, France |
|
French. Moved papacy to Avignon (Avignon Papacy); dissolved Knights Templar. |
|
— |
1314 – 1316 (2 years) |
Interregnum |
|
|
No pope elected due to disputes in Avignon. |
|
195 |
7 August 1316 – 4 December 1334 (18 years) |
John XXII · IOANNES |
Cahors, France |
|
French. Centralised Church administration; opposed Franciscan poverty ideals. |
|
— |
1328 – 1330 (2 years) |
Nicholas V · NICOLAVS |
Corvaro, Italia |
|
Italian. In opposition to John XXII. Installed by Louis IV; submitted and imprisoned. |
|
196 |
12 December 1334 – 25 April 1342 (7 years) |
Benedict XII · BENEDICTVS |
Saverdun, France |
|
French. Reformed monastic orders; attempted crusade negotiations. |
|
197 |
7 May 1342 – 6 December 1352 (10 years) |
Clement VI · CLEMENS |
Rosiers-d’Égletons, France |
|
French. Managed Black Death crisis; purchased Avignon for papacy. |
|
198 |
18 December 1352 – 12 September 1362 (9 years) |
Innocent VI · INNOCENTIVS |
Les Monts, France |
|
French. Reformed Church finances; sent troops to Italy. |
|
199 |
28 September 1362 – 19 December 1370 (8 years) |
St Urban V · VRBANVS |
Grizac, France |
|
French. Feast day 19 December. Attempted return to Rome; reformed education. |
|
200 |
30 December 1370 – 27 March 1378 (7 years) |
Gregory XI · GREGORIVS |
Rosiers-d’Égletons, France |
|
French. Returned papacy to Rome (1377); last French pope until Avignon antipopes. |
|
201 |
8 April 1378 – 15 October 1389 (11 years) |
Urban VI · VRBANVS |
Napoli, Italia |
|
Italian. Harsh rule led to Western Schism; opposed by Avignon antipopes. |
|
— |
1378 – 1394 (16 years) |
Clement VII · CLEMENS |
Genève, Switzerland |
|
French. Avignon antipope. In opposition to Urban VI and Boniface IX. Supported by France. |
|
202 |
2 November 1389 – 1 October 1404 (14 years) |
Boniface IX · BONIFACIVS |
Napoli, Italia |
|
Italian. Faced Avignon schism; sold indulgences to fund papacy. |
15th Century
|
Pontiff Number |
Pontificate |
Name: English · Latin |
Date and Place of Birth |
Age at Start/End |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
— |
1394 – 1423 (29 years) |
Benedict XIII · BENEDICTVS |
Illueca, Aragon |
|
Spanish. Avignon antipope. In opposition to Boniface IX, Innocent VII, Gregory XII, and Martin V. Deposed by Council of Constance. |
|
203 |
17 October 1404 – 6 November 1406 (2 years) |
Innocent VII · INNOCENTIVS |
Sulmona, Italia |
|
Italian. Faced Roman riots; unable to resolve Western Schism. |
|
204 |
30 November 1406 – 4 July 1415 (8 years) |
Gregory XII · GREGORIVS |
Venezia, Italia |
|
Italian. Resigned to end Western Schism at Council of Constance. |
|
— |
1409 – 1410 (1 year) |
Alexander V · ALEXANDER |
Crete, Greece |
|
Greek. Pisan antipope. In opposition to Gregory XII and Benedict XIII. Elected by Council of Pisa. |
|
— |
1410 – 1415 (5 years) |
John XXIII · IOANNES |
Napoli, Italia |
|
Italian. Pisan antipope. In opposition to Gregory XII and Benedict XIII. Deposed by Council of Constance. |
|
— |
1415 – 1417 (2 years) |
Interregnum |
|
|
No pope elected during Council of Constance. |
|
205 |
11 November 1417 – 20 February 1431 (13 years) |
Martin V · MARTINVS |
Genazzano, Italia |
|
Italian. Ended Western Schism; restored papacy to Rome. |
|
— |
1423 – 1429 (6 years) |
Clement VIII · CLEMENS |
Teruel, Aragon |
|
Spanish. Avignon antipope. In opposition to Martin V. Submitted to Martin V. |
|
— |
1423 – 1429 (6 years) |
Benedict XIV · BENEDICTVS |
Unknown |
|
French. Avignon antipope. In opposition to Martin V. Minor claimant; little support. |
|
206 |
14 February 1431 – 23 February 1447 (16 years) |
Eugene IV · EVGENIVS |
Venezia, Italia |
|
Italian. Faced Council of Basel; transferred council to Ferrara-Florence. |
|
— |
1439 – 1449 (10 years) |
Felix V · FELIX |
Savoie, France |
|
French. Antipope. In opposition to Eugene IV and Nicholas V. Elected by Council of Basel; last antipope. |
|
207 |
6 March 1447 – 24 March 1455 (8 years) |
Nicholas V · NICOLAVS |
Sarzana, Italia |
|
Italian. Founded Vatican Library; crowned Frederick III. |
|
208 |
8 April 1455 – 6 August 1458 (3 years) |
Callixtus III · CALLISTVS |
Xàtiva, Valencia, Aragon |
|
Spanish. First Spanish pope. Organized crusade; tried Joan of Arc’s judges. |
|
209 |
19 August 1458 – 15 August 1464 (5 years) |
Pius II · PIVS |
Corsignano, Italia |
|
Italian. Issued Execrabilis (1460); wrote memoirs. |
|
210 |
30 August 1464 – 26 July 1471 (6 years) |
Paul II · PAVLVS |
Venezia, Italia |
|
Italian. Reformed Roman administration; opposed humanism. |
|
211 |
9 August 1471 – 12 August 1484 (13 years) |
Sixtus IV · SIXTVS |
Celle Ligure, Italia |
|
Italian. Commissioned Sistine Chapel; involved in Pazzi conspiracy. |
|
212 |
29 August 1484 – 25 July 1492 (7 years) |
Innocent VIII · INNOCENTIVS |
Genova, Italia |
|
Italian. Issued bull against witchcraft; fathered children before papacy. |
|
213 |
11 August 1492 – 18 August 1503 (11 years) |
Alexander VI · ALEXANDER |
Xàtiva, Valencia, Aragon |
|
Spanish. Infamous for corruption; divided New World between Spain and Portugal. |
16th Century
|
Pontiff Number |
Pontificate |
Name: English · Latin |
Date and Place of Birth |
Age at Start/End |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
214 |
22 September 1503 – 18 October 1503 (26 days) |
Pius III · PIVS |
Siena, Italia |
|
Italian. Died shortly after election; planned Church reforms. |
|
215 |
31 October 1503 – 21 February 1513 (9 years) |
Julius II · IVLIVS |
Savona, Italia |
|
Italian. Commissioned Michelangelo for St. Peter’s Basilica; convened Fifth Lateran Council. |
|
216 |
9 March 1513 – 1 December 1521 (8 years) |
Leo X · LEO |
Firenze, Italia |
|
Italian. Excommunicated Martin Luther; sold indulgences, sparking Reformation. |
|
217 |
9 January 1522 – 14 September 1523 (1 year) |
Adrian VI · ADRIANVS |
Utrecht, Netherlands |
|
Dutch. Only Dutch pope. Attempted Church reforms; faced opposition. |
|
218 |
26 November 1523 – 25 September 1534 (10 years) |
Clement VII · CLEMENS |
Firenze, Italia |
|
Italian. Refused Henry VIII’s annulment, leading to English Reformation; sacked Rome (1527). |
|
219 |
13 October 1534 – 10 November 1549 (15 years) |
Paul III · PAVLVS |
Canino, Italia |
|
Italian. Convened Council of Trent (1545); patronized arts. |
|
220 |
7 February 1550 – 29 March 1555 (5 years) |
Julius III · IVLIVS |
Roma, Italia |
|
Italian. Reopened Council of Trent; focused on personal pleasures. |
|
221 |
9 April 1555 – 30 April/1 May 1555 (21 days) |
Marcellus II · MARCELLVS |
Montepulciano, Italia |
|
Italian. Last pope to keep baptismal name; died of stroke. |
|
222 |
23 May 1555 – 18 August 1559 (4 years) |
Paul IV · PAVLVS |
Capriglia Irpina, Italia |
|
Italian. Strengthened Inquisition; created Jewish ghetto in Rome. |
|
223 |
26 December 1559 – 9 December 1565 (5 years) |
Pius IV · PIVS |
Milano, Italia |
|
Italian. Concluded Council of Trent; issued Tridentine Creed. |
|
224 |
7 January 1566 – 1 May 1572 (6 years) |
St Pius V · PIVS |
Bosco Marengo, Italia |
|
Italian. Feast day 30 April. Implemented Tridentine reforms; excommunicated Elizabeth I. |
|
225 |
13 May 1572 – 10 April 1585 (12 years) |
Gregory XIII · GREGORIVS |
Bologna, Italia |
|
Italian. Introduced Gregorian calendar (1582); supported Jesuit missions. |
|
226 |
24 April 1585 – 27 August 1590 (5 years) |
Sixtus V · SIXTVS |
Grottammare, Italia |
|
Italian. Reformed Curia; executed criminals; built Vatican infrastructure. |
|
227 |
15 September 1590 – 27 September 1590 (12 days) |
Urban VII · VRBANVS |
Roma, Italia |
|
Italian. Shortest pontificate; died of malaria. |
|
228 |
5 December 1590 – 15/16 October 1591 (10 months) |
Gregory XIV · GREGORIVS |
Cremona, Italia |
|
Italian. Supported Catholic League in French Wars of Religion. |
|
229 |
30 October 1591 – 30 December 1591 (2 months) |
Innocent IX · INNOCENTIVS |
Bologna, Italia |
|
Italian. Brief pontificate; supported Spanish interests. |
|
230 |
30 January 1592 – 3 March 1605 (13 years) |
Clement VIII · CLEMENS |
Fano, Italia |
|
Italian. Canonized new saints; mediated peace between France and Spain. |
17th Century
|
Pontiff Number |
Pontificate |
Name: English · Latin |
Date and Place of Birth |
Age at Start/End |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
231 |
1 April 1605 – 27 April 1605 (26 days) |
Leo XI · LEO |
Firenze, Italia |
|
Italian. Died shortly after election; supported French alliance. |
|
232 |
16 May 1605 – 28 January 1621 (15 years) |
Paul V · PAVLVS |
Roma, Italia |
|
Italian. Canonized Charles Borromeo; clashed with Venice over clerical rights. |
|
233 |
9 February 1621 – 8 July 1623 (2 years) |
Gregory XV · GREGORIVS |
Bologna, Italia |
|
Italian. Established Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith. |
|
234 |
6 August 1623 – 29 July 1644 (20 years) |
Urban VIII · VRBANVS |
Firenze, Italia |
|
Italian. Patronized Bernini; condemned Galileo; involved in Thirty Years’ War. |
|
235 |
15 September 1644 – 7 January 1655 (10 years) |
Innocent X · INNOCENTIVS |
Roma, Italia |
|
Italian. Condemned Jansenism; reorganized papal finances. |
|
236 |
7 April 1655 – 22 May 1667 (12 years) |
Alexander VII · ALEXANDER |
Siena, Italia |
|
Italian. Patronized Bernini; opposed Jansenism; improved Roman infrastructure. |
|
237 |
20 June 1667 – 9 December 1669 (2 years) |
Clement IX · CLEMENS |
Pistoia, Italia |
|
Italian. Mediated Peace of Aix-la-Chapelle; supported opera. |
|
238 |
29 April 1670 – 22 July 1676 (6 years) |
Clement X · CLEMENS |
Roma, Italia |
|
Italian. Canonized new saints; promoted missionary work. |
|
239 |
21 September 1676 – 11 August 1689 (12 years) |
Innocent XI · INNOCENTIVS |
Como, Italia |
|
Italian. Opposed Louis XIV’s Gallicanism; supported Battle of Vienna (1683). |
|
240 |
6 October 1689 – 1 February 1691 (1 year) |
Alexander VIII · ALEXANDER |
Venezia, Italia |
|
Italian. Relaxed anti-nepotism rules; acquired rare manuscripts. |
|
241 |
12 July 1691 – 27 September 1700 (9 years) |
Innocent XII · INNOCENTIVS |
Spinazzola, Italia |
|
Italian. Reformed papal administration; issued anti-nepotism bull. |
18th Century
|
Pontiff Number |
Pontificate |
Name: English · Latin |
Date and Place of Birth |
Age at Start/End |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
242 |
23 November 1700 – 19 March 1721 (20 years) |
Clement XI · CLEMENS |
Urbino, Italia |
|
Italian. Issued Unigenitus against Jansenism; supported missionary work. |
|
243 |
8 May 1721 – 7 March 1724 (2 years) |
Innocent XIII · INNOCENTIVS |
Poli, Italia |
|
Italian. Opposed Jansenism; maintained neutrality in European conflicts. |
|
244 |
29 May 1724 – 21 February 1730 (5 years) |
Benedict XIII · BENEDICTVS |
Gravina, Italia |
|
Italian. Focused on pastoral duties; faced criticism for neglecting administration. |
|
245 |
12 July 1730 – 6 February 1740 (9 years) |
Clement XII · CLEMENS |
Firenze, Italia |
|
Italian. Condemned Freemasonry; restored Roman monuments. |
|
246 |
17 August 1740 – 3 May 1758 (17 years) |
Benedict XIV · BENEDICTVS |
Bologna, Italia |
|
Italian. Reformed clergy education; promoted scholarship. |
|
247 |
6 July 1758 – 2 February 1769 (10 years) |
Clement XIII · CLEMENS |
Venezia, Italia |
|
Italian. Defended Jesuits against suppression; faced Enlightenment criticism. |
|
248 |
19 May 1769 – 22 September 1774 (5 years) |
Clement XIV · CLEMENS |
Santarcangelo di Romagna, Italia |
|
Italian. Suppressed Jesuits (1773); faced pressure from Catholic powers. |
|
249 |
15 February 1775 – 29 August 1799 (24 years) |
Pius VI · PIVS |
Cesena, Italia |
|
Italian. Deposed by Napoleon; died in exile in France. |
19th Century
|
Pontiff Number |
Pontificate |
Name: English · Latin |
Date and Place of Birth |
Age at Start/End |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
250 |
14 March 1800 – 20 August 1823 (23 years) |
Pius VII · PIVS |
Cesena, Italia |
|
Italian. Restored Jesuits; signed Concordat with Napoleon; exiled during French occupation. |
|
251 |
28 September 1823 – 10 February 1829 (5 years) |
Leo XII · LEO |
Genga, Italia |
|
Italian. Condemned secret societies; reformed education. |
|
252 |
31 March 1829 – 30 November 1830 (1 year) |
Pius VIII · PIVS |
Cingoli, Italia |
|
Italian. Condemned liberal revolutions; brief pontificate. |
|
253 |
2 February 1831 – 1 June 1846 (15 years) |
Gregory XVI · GREGORIVS |
Belluno, Italia |
|
Italian. Condemned liberalism; supported missionary work. |
|
254 |
16 June 1846 – 7 February 1878 (31 years) |
Pius IX · PIVS |
Senigallia, Italia |
|
Italian. Convened First Vatican Council (1869–70); defined papal infallibility; lost Papal States. |
20th Century
|
Pontiff Number |
Pontificate |
Name: English · Latin |
Date and Place of Birth |
Age at Start/End |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
255 |
20 February 1878 – 20 July 1903 (25 years) |
Leo XIII · LEO |
Carpineto Romano, Italia |
|
Italian. Issued Rerum Novarum (1891); promoted Thomism. |
|
256 |
4 August 1903 – 20 August 1914 (11 years) |
St Pius X · PIVS |
Riese, Italia |
|
Italian. Feast day 21 August. Condemned modernism; lowered First Communion age. |
|
257 |
3 September 1914 – 22 January 1922 (7 years) |
Benedict XV · BENEDICTVS |
Genova, Italia |
|
Italian. Promoted peace during World War I; issued new Code of Canon Law (1917). |
|
258 |
6 February 1922 – 10 February 1939 (17 years) |
Pius XI · PIVS |
Desio, Italia |
|
Italian. Signed Lateran Treaty (1929), establishing Vatican City; condemned fascism and communism. |
|
259 |
2 March 1939 – 9 October 1958 (19 years) |
Pius XII · PIVS |
Roma, Italia |
|
Italian. Issued Humanae Vitae; faced criticism for World War II neutrality. |
|
260 |
28 October 1958 – 3 June 1963 (4 years) |
St John XXIII · IOANNES |
Sotto il Monte, Italia |
|
Italian. Feast day 11 October. Convened Second Vatican Council (1962–65). |
|
261 |
21 June 1963 – 6 August 1978 (15 years) |
Paul VI · PAVLVS |
Concesio, Italia |
|
Italian. Concluded Second Vatican Council; issued Humanae Vitae (1968). |
|
262 |
26 August 1978 – 28 September 1978 (33 days) |
John Paul I · IOANNES PAVLVS |
Forno di Canale, Italia |
|
Italian. First pope with double name; died suddenly. |
|
263 |
16 October 1978 – 2 April 2005 (26 years) |
St John Paul II · IOANNES PAVLVS |
Wadowice, Poland |
|
Polish. First Polish pope. Feast day 22 October. Promoted peace; canonized many saints. |
21st Century
|
Pontiff Number |
Pontificate |
Name: English · Latin |
Date and Place of Birth |
Age at Start/End |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
264 |
19 April 2005 – 28 February 2013 (7 years) |
Benedict XVI · BENEDICTVS |
Marktl, Germany |
|
German. Resigned voluntarily; focused on theology and liturgy. |
|
265 |
13 March 2013 – present (as of 2023) |
Francis · FRANCISCVS |
Buenos Aires, Argentina |
|
Argentine. First Jesuit and Latin American pope. Emphasizes mercy, environment, and synodality. |
This list of popes serves as a historical roadmap, tracing the lineage of one of the world’s most enduring institutions. Whether you’re exploring the popes list for research or curiosity, Listandwiki is your go-to resource for accurate and engaging information about the list of all popes.
✝️ The Origins and Evolution of the Papacy
The list of popes begins with Saint Peter, traditionally regarded as the first pope, appointed by Jesus Christ to lead His Church. From these humble beginnings in the first century, the papacy has grown into a global institution. Early popes faced persecution, with many listed in the popes list as martyrs who died for their faith. Over time, the role of popes shifted, reflecting the changing tides of history.
By the Middle Ages, the list of the popes includes figures who wielded both spiritual and temporal power, ruling over the Papal States. Popes like Innocent III transformed the papacy into a dominant force in European politics. The Renaissance saw the list of all 266 popes in order include controversial figures like Alexander VI, whose reign sparked debate, alongside reformers who sought to strengthen the Church.
In modern times, the list of recent popes highlights a shift toward global engagement. Popes such as John Paul II and Francis have addressed contemporary issues like peace, poverty, and climate change, ensuring the papacy’s relevance in today’s world.
✝️ How Popes Are Chosen
Ever wondered how each name on the list of popes is selected? The process, known as a conclave, involves the College of Cardinals, who gather in secrecy to elect a new pope. A two-thirds majority is required, and the election concludes with white smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel, signaling a new addition to the list of all popes.
This tradition has evolved over centuries, with roots traceable in the list of the popes back to early succession practices. Today, it remains a fascinating ritual that connects the past and present of the popes list.
✝️ Influential Popes Through History
The list of popes is filled with remarkable figures who shaped the Church and the world. Here are some standouts:
-
Saint Peter (c. 30–64/68): The rock upon which the Church was built, starting the list of all 266 popes in order.
-
Gregory I (590–604): Known as “the Great,” he sent missionaries to England, expanding the Church’s reach.
-
Urban II (1088–1099): Launched the First Crusade, a pivotal moment in medieval history.
-
Innocent III (1198–1216): A powerhouse who influenced kings and emperors.
-
John Paul II (1978–2005): A modern icon who helped end communism in Eastern Europe.
These popes, among others in the list of popes, demonstrate the diverse roles the papacy has played over time.
✝️ Trials of the Papacy
The list of popes also reflects challenges that tested the Church. The Great Western Schism saw rival popes claim the throne, splitting loyalties. The Avignon Papacy moved the papacy to France, distancing it from Rome. The Reformation, sparked during Leo X’s reign, challenged Catholic authority, reshaping Christianity.
More recently, the list of recent popes has navigated scandals and calls for reform. Yet, the papacy endures, with each pope in the popes list adapting to their era’s trials.
✝️ The Papacy Today
The list of recent popes shows the papacy’s modern evolution. Pope Francis, for instance, emphasizes humility and environmental care, earning global admiration. Before him, John Paul II traveled the world, connecting with millions, while Benedict XVI focused on theology and tradition.
Today’s popes use technology, like social media, to reach followers, proving the list of popes remains dynamic and relevant.
✝️ Fun Facts About the Popes
Here are some intriguing details from the list of popes:
-
Shortest Reign: Urban VII lasted just 12 days in 1590.
-
Longest Reign: Pius IX served over 31 years (1846–1878).
-
Name Popularity: “John” appears 23 times in the list of all popes.
-
Resignations: Benedict XVI (2013) was the first to resign in centuries, following Celestine V (1294).
-
Global Reach: Recent popes hail from Poland (John Paul II) and Argentina (Francis).
For more insights and the full list of all 266 popes in order, check out Listandwiki. We’re dedicated to bringing you the most comprehensive and fascinating details about the list of popes and beyond!